Ubuntu-Friendly Ultra-minis/Portability

[Chibi-Tatsu]

So I'm looking at getting an ultra-tiny "desktop" like the eeeBox or the Dell Studio Hybrid, and I wanted to know what might be a good pick.

I'm looking for something small enough to be about as portable as, say, the eeePC, while having enough power to perform tasks probably no more exhausting than multi-tasking two to four moderately intensive tasks.

Ubuntu-friendly is a must. I don't really enjoy fiddling around in frustration any more, so something that works out of the box is great.

I also wanted to know if anyone knows of a convenient solution for portability requirements (ie, power source) for mini-PCs.

I'm looking into getting an almost wearable setup; video glasses, small presentation pointer, ect, and I would really like to be able to use it while on the move.

[mocoloco]

I'm going to get Dell's new Netbook (http://yourblog.direct2dell.com/2008/05/28/something-from-dell-at-d6/)* for my wife as soon as they start selling it. Rumors said Aug 22, now rumor says Sep 4. Also still not sure if it's called the E or the 910 (apparently it's no longer to be called the mini inspiron though). Anyway, has Ubuntu pre-loaded, webcam, and looks pretty, which is mostly what she's after :).

There are some good photos on gizmodo (http://gizmodo.com/393815/exclusive-dell-mini-inspiron-their-first-mini-laptop) and a blog following it (http://www.miniinspiron.net/).

*Or UMPC, subnotebook, minilaptop, ultraportable, or whatever other of millions of names they've given these things

[Chibi-Tatsu]

Hmmm... looks much like the eeePC. I'll watch for it, thanks.

I've gone away from hybrids; it might be advantageous to have a small screen and keyboard in reserve... and the ultra-small laptops have fairly good specs and power usage anyway.

Heck, the only gripe I have for the eeePC is (1) storage and (2) it probably uses a bit more power than I was looking for... although with the screen closed it might use a lot less, come to think of it. So I'll see how this matches up... the specs don't seem to be quite as nice for the price, but it's pretty close.